Landmark Deal Would Officially Add Laser Weapons to US Army Arsenal
Facing a growing drone threat, the Pentagon is poised to sign a first-of-its-kind contract for “Enduring High Energy Lasers”—and make directed energy weapons an official part of the Army’s kit.
The United States military is set to officially add laser weapons to its arsenal, marking the first time this commitment will be made in significant numbers. The Pentagon is reportedly on the verge of signing a contract with AeroVironment to acquire and rapidly deploy an Enduring High Energy Laser (E-HEL). This new technology aims to defend bases around the world from drone attacks, as traditional countermeasures have proven insufficient against the proliferation of cheap, abundant, and deadly drones.
The E-HEL will be compact enough to fit in a four-by-seven foot container or atop an all-terrain vehicle, making it highly portable. Once deployed, it will be able to continuously fire with no limit on ammunition, providing a robust solution to the growing drone threat. Although some mishaps have occurred during testing, such as an accidental drone strike on a party balloon, the military appears ready to move forward with this promising technology.
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